Head Teacher appointed for Maryburgh and Conon Bridge Primary Schools

The Highland Council has appointed Mrs Rita McDaid as cluster Head Teacher for Maryburgh and Conon Bridge Primary Schools. She will become Head Teacher of the new Ben Wyvis Primary School when it opens in August 2012.

Rita McDaid started her teaching career in 1998. During that time, Rita taught at four different Primary Schools in Inverness. Five years ago, she was appointed as Principal Teacher and then Acting Depute Head Teacher at St. Joseph`s Primary School. Following this, she was appointed as the Depute Head Teacher at Inshes Primary, two years ago.

Mrs McDaid said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as Cluster Head Teacher of Maryburgh and Conon Bridge Primary Schools. Having been very warmly welcomed into both school communities, as Acting Head, I can now begin to work with pupils, staff, parents and community members to build on and further improve the learning and teaching experiences for the children, while planning ahead to ensure a positive transition to Ben Wyvis Primary next year.”

Local Highland Councillors for the Dingwall and Seaforth Ward have welcomed Mrs McDaid’s appointment.

Councillor Margaret Paterson said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rita McDaid has been appointed as Cluster Head teacher of Maryburgh and Conon Bridge Primary Schools. I am confident she will be a great asset to both schools and will work well with staff, pupils, parents and the parent council to ensure that the transition to the new Ben Wyvis Primary School is both positive and exciting for all involved.”

Adding his approval Councillor David Chisholm said: “I'm delighted for Mrs McDaid and both communities on her appointment as Head Teacher. She will meet a pivotal role in bringing both schools together as they move towards the new Ben Wyvis Primary.”

Councillor Peter Cairns said: “This is an exciting time for the communities of Maryburgh and Conon, creating both opportunities and challenges that will be inevitable in this period leading up to the opening of a new school. I am confident that Mrs McDaid’s background and personal skills will enable her to work with pupils, families and staff and actively engage them in creating a vision and shared values for the new school.”

Adding her congratulations Councillor Angela MacLean said: “This is fantastic news. Since Rita’s appointment as Acting Head I have been really impressed by her ability to bring the two schools together in a positive working relationship and am delighted that she has been appointed as permanent Head Teacher.”

Ben Wyvis Primary School will comprise 10 classrooms when it opens in August 2012 as well as: a nursery and wrap-around childcare facilities;  2-court sports hall with changing rooms; kitchen and dining facilities; school library; community room and kitchen; and floodlit multi-use games area.